At issue is the 2008 controversy that surrounded the dismissal of biology teacher Art Siebens as part of a restructuring of Woodrow Wilson High School. Students and parents at the Ward 3 school launched an effort in support of Mr. Siebens, petitioning Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D) and Schools Chancellor Michelle A. Rhee. Both backed the decision by Wilson Principal Peter Cahall in the belief that those who are responsible for school results should be given responsibility. On July 11, 2008, Mr. Gray convened a hearing billed as "Progress in Modernizing and Improving District of Columbia School Facilities" in which four students -- one of whom had previously e-mailed the chairman -- testified in support of Mr. Siebens. Mr. Gray, who opened the hearing with a statement critical of the "tenor and pace" of school reform, appeared sympathetic to the students' concerns. He said it sounded as if Mr. Siebens was exactly the kind of teacher the city needed and that it was unfortunate the council couldn't do anything about it.

Mr. Gray followed up with a meeting with Ms. Rhee, and a spokeswoman for his campaign stressed that he deferred to the chancellor. But as council chairman, he didn't have much choice; as mayor, he would have the power to interfere. His statements in this case might lead voters to ask whether Mr. Gray will back his frontline educators, even when they don't do the popular thing.